Prostate cancer referrals spike after BBC presenter Bill Turnbull's death
The former BBC Breakfast, Songs Of Praise and Classic FM presenter died last year after a long battle with the disease.
Thursday 31 August 2023 10:37, UK
Prostate cancer referrals have spiked following the death last year of BBC presenter Bill Turnbull, who fought a prolonged battle with the disease.
Analysis of NHS data showed a record 25,000 patients were referred for suspected urological cancer in England last November, with prostate cancer making up the large majority.
Charity Prostate Cancer UK linked the 66-year-old's death to the rise, highlighting the "power of awareness".
The much-loved host of BBC Breakfast, Songs Of Praise and a Classic FM radio show helped raise cancer awareness following his diagnosis in 2017.
He also detailed his prostate cancer treatment in 2019 Channel 4 documentary Staying Alive.
Comedian and former QI host Stephen Fry revealed his prostate cancer diagnosis in 2018 resulting in the "Turnbull/Fry effect" where referrals have increased significantly.
There were 20,732 referrals for suspected urological cancer in June 2023, a 21% increase when compared to June 2019.
And there were 6,144 treatments for urological cancer this June, a 24% increase from before the pandemic.
To mark Turnbull's legacy, Prostate Cancer UK is asking people to raise more awareness about the disease and "Broadcast it like Bill" - urging men to take its 30-second prostate cancer risk checker.
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'Check your risk today'
Ian Pritchard from the Shetland Islands saw his GP after Turnbull's death and was subsequently diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer.
The 62-year-old said he was "grateful" to the presenter for spreading the message and prompting him to get tested.
Mr Pritchard said: "I could be walking around today not realising I had prostate cancer if it weren't for seeing the news about Bill.
"I urge every man, check your risk today... and speak to your doctor before it's too late."
Turnbull was a fan of football club Wycombe Wanderers and a couple of their supporters diagnosed with the cancer are to embark on a sponsored walk for him.
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One of the inspired Blues fans Alan Cecil said Turnbull had given him the "confidence" to speak out about his diagnosis.
The 69-year-old said: "I realised there was no shame or stigma attached and by me raising awareness of the need for early testing, other men could hopefully be as lucky as me."